At the US Open in New York, French tennis veteran Gaël Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, September 1, by securing a four-set victory over Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo and receiving a stadium-wide chorus of “Happy Birthday” from the crowd. Facing an opponent 18 years his junior, Monfils rallied after a shaky opening set to win 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0, advancing to the second round of the tournament.
A Historic Birthday Celebration at Flushing Meadows
The Flushing Meadows crowd turned a routine changeover into a memorable moment by breaking into song for the French veteran. Touched by the gesture, he took a moment to address the spectators who filled the stands.
Among those joining in the birthday chorus from the stands was his wife, Elina Svitolina.
With this opening-round win, Monfils joined an exclusive club. He became only the third man in the Open Era to win a main-draw match at the US Open as a player in his 40s, following Australia’s Ken Rosewall—who won at age 42 in 1977—and the United States’ Jimmy Connors, who reached the milestone at 40 in 1992.
Overcoming Early Nervousness and Tactical Shifts
The match did not start smoothly for the veteran Frenchman, who admitted to feeling the weight of the occasion early on. Welcomed onto the court like a rock star, Monfils played passively during the first set, struggling with unforced errors and allowing the 60th-ranked Vallejo to dictate play.
The opening set slipped away in just over 35 minutes when Monfils misfired on an aggressive forehand. However, the tone shifted immediately in the second set. Monfils increased his court coverage and punished Vallejo’s second serve, highlighted by a stunning backhand winner down the line that brought the stadium to its feet. After building a commanding 5-0 lead in the second frame, the Frenchman kept his foot on the gas, repeatedly cupping his hand to his ear to draw even more noise from the crowd.
Dominating the Finish Line Against Youth
Vallejo struggled to regain a foothold as the match progressed through the third and fourth sets. Monfils secured early breaks in both frames, neutralizing the Paraguayan’s baseline power with superior tactical placement and consistent serving. The final set was a complete shutout, capped off by a love game and a decisive ace.
Reflecting on the physical demands of playing a grueling best-of-five-set match at age 40 against a 22-year-old opponent, Monfils expressed satisfaction with his efficiency down the stretch. “He’s 22, so naturally I’m happy, it feels good to beat him cleanly,” he remarked.
What Lies Ahead in New York
Having safely navigated his opening test and celebrated a milestone birthday under the lights in Queens, Monfils advances to the second round of the US Open.
